Fine structure of the fibrous layer of the mandibular condylar cartilage of the Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) using postfixation in osmium-potassium ferrocyanide.
The aim of this study was to use a fixation technique not previously used to elucidate the fine structure of the fibrous layer of the mandibular condylar cartilage. The sample was obtained from four one-year-old Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). Blocks of tissue were prepared according to the method of Farnum and Wilsman (1983) and examined by transmission electron microscopy. This study revealed the presence of superficially situated fibroblast-like cells and deeply placed chondrocyte-like cells. The matrix consisted of Type 1 collagen fibres which were arranged either loosely near the articular surface or in tightly packed bundles deep to the surface. Elastic fibres were also present. A variety of matrix vesicles resembling cell debris, as well as interfibrillar electron dense granular material thought to be fibronectin, were also identified. This technique reveals more structural details than the conventional fixation technique.
Missankov
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AA
Department of General Anatomy, School of Dentistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005295:Ferrocyanides; D005404:Fixatives; D006652:Histological Techniques; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009992:Osmium; D010215:Papio
D005295:Ferrocyanides; D005404:Fixatives; D009992:Osmium; C031835:potassium ferrocyanide